Psalms 127

1 A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.

[A Song of Ascents. By Solomon.] Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain.

2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat— for He gives sleep to His beloved.

It is vain for you to rise up early, to stay up late, eating the bread of toil; for he gives sleep to his loved ones.

3 Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.

Look, children are a heritage of the LORD. The fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth.

As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.

5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate.

Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won't be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.